BY SAFTU posted here
INTRODUCTION: SAFTU celebrates a High Court win ensuring millions of social grant recipients get timely support. They praise the ‘Pay the Grant’ Coalition for fighting for vulnerable citizens’ rights. SAFTU sees this as progress toward a Universal Basic Income Grant to fight poverty. They urge the government to follow the ruling quickly, fix delivery issues, and protect social grant access.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) celebrates the recent High Court judgment in the case between the State and the ‘Pay the Grant’ Coalition as a monumental victory for millions of social grant recipients across our nation. This ruling reaffirms the fundamental rights of our most vulnerable citizens to receive timely and adequate social assistance, a cornerstone of our commitment to social justice and equality.
SAFTU has consistently advocated for the protection and expansion of social grants, recognizing them as essential tools in the fight against poverty and inequality. The High Court’s decision underscores the State’s obligation to uphold these rights and ensures that bureaucratic inefficiencies or policy shortcomings do not impede the delivery of critical support to those in need.
We commend the ‘Pay the Grant’ Coalition for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in championing the rights of grant beneficiaries. Their perseverance has not only secured justice for millions but has also strengthened the fabric of our democracy by holding the State accountable to its constitutional mandates.
SAFTU views this victory not just as a step forward for grant recipients but also as a stepping stone toward the introduction of a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG). The UBIG must be seen as a cornerstone of a comprehensive social security system and a bold anti-poverty program that guarantees dignity and a basic standard of living for all South Africans. As inequality deepens and poverty persists, the UBIG offers a transformative solution to address structural economic exclusion and uplift the lives of millions.
We urge the government to respect and implement the court’s ruling without delay. It is imperative that all necessary measures are taken to ensure the uninterrupted and efficient disbursement of social grants. We also call upon the State to engage constructively with civil society organizations to address any systemic issues highlighted by this case, ensuring that such challenges do not recur in the future.
This judgment serves as a powerful reminder of the role of the judiciary in safeguarding the rights of citizens and the importance of active civic engagement in the pursuit of social justice. SAFTU remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies and actions that promote the well-being and dignity of all South Africans.
